Greetings friends! This week we officially combine the Faith Formation programs of the four Brighton Catholic parishes into one vibrant and thriving family! But before we get into the vision of where we are going, I’d like to first introduce myself.
My name is Jennifer Abdalla and I have been involved in ministry from the first moment I served on the altar at St. Mary’s Church in Altmar, New York. (I will give you a gold star if you even know where that is!) I may not remember much about the dynamics of that ten pew church, but I do remember the tireless dedication of the community who taught me the roots of the faith that now anchor me fearlessly to the changes of a growing Church ahead.
I have studied and worked in the realm of health and human services for over twenty years. I have also worked in curriculum development, diversity training and afterschool programs in Oswego County school districts. From a ministerial perspective, I have worked in a variety of youth ministries, pastoral care and missionary endeavors. I have recently finished my graduate degree in Pastoral Studies at St. Bernard’s. But perhaps the most qualifying attribute of all is the young man who calls me “Mom.” Parenting, by far, has taught me more about the unconditional love of God than any other venue!
When people ask me how I intend to teach four parishes of children the faith, the simple answer is, I am not. I am one of many who teach your children the faith every single day. As a young girl, I recall watching my grandmother assist with the food pantry, serve as a Eucharistic minister and lector. I stayed up late with my mother who would cut and sew beautiful banners for the altar, bring in baked goods for coffee hours and arrange for three unruly kids to be brought to church while she and my father had to work on Sundays. My father frequently gave part of his fishing, hunting and garden bounty to families that needed it more than we did. He also bought me my first Bible. All contributed to my vocation in ministry that I now so deeply cherish.
As we move forward through the challenges of our present circumstances, I am planning several options to meet the needs of our community and families regarding the pandemic. I am developing the physical, virtual and hybrid classroom models for the Fall. If any combination of them are needed, it is my hope to give you a sense of where we are going depending on what is happening in the larger community. Whatever direction we need to go, we will go there together!
I will be sending out one weekly newsletter via email to all our families in the weeks ahead. This will be our place to get the latest information and guidance as we move forward. The title of this newsletter is, “Growing in the Spirit.” This is precisely our vision; that we remain Rooted in Christ, Alive in the Sacramental life of the Church and Growing in the Spirit!
My favorite banner that my mother made those many years ago said this, “Life is changed, Not ended.” That message is clearer to me now than ever before. As a Church, we are no strangers to adversity, difficulties, wars and plagues. Yet, here we are two thousand years later! We will grow through this challenge too. Together. Many blessings, Jennifer